Michael Nichols | Leadership Made Simple
Leadership Made Simple
I waited “patiently” for what seemed like an eternity.
I was starving. I watched from the passenger seat as she browsed the menu board.
I fiddled with a couple of apps on my iPad – attempting to get my mind off of my intense hunger.
Finally, I gave in – “Do you know what are you going to order?”
Most business planning approaches have one similar flaw – they’re far too complicated! The majority of organizations and leaders don’t need a 100-page business plan that sits on a remote shelf in a corner office somewhere collecting dust never again to see the light of day.
What they do need is a ridiculously simple, clear business plan that outlines:
If you have not written (and are not regularly reviewing) a simple business plan, you will continue to struggle with clarity, results, and profit.
I recently wrote an article, The ONE Reason Everyone Needs a SIMPLE Business Plan. Take a second to click over to review it because it will add value to this article.
For years, I struggled to make the progress that I knew was possible in my work and with my team. I knew I had to do something. So I developed a Simple, One-Page Business Plan Template.
The template really is simple – which is what allowed me to make significant progress and gain momentum. The template has 4 short sections – End, Action, Change, Review.
Today, I am going to give you a copy of my business plan guide and template. More about that in a moment.
When YOU think of business planning, what comes to mind? Scary? Boring? Valuable? Too much trouble? Worthless? Priceless?
There are literally hundreds of business plan guides, software programs, and websites, and thousands of business planning consultants. Many business planning approaches have one similar flaw – they’re far too complicated – even for business leaders.
Many of them would take us days, weeks, months, even years to complete. And then they’d sit on a remote shelf in a corner office somewhere collecting dust never again to see the light of day.
That’s NOT the kind of business plan I’m talking about. The best ideas – the best businesses – begin as SIMPLE ideas that are pursued with fanatic clarity.
A new course toward your degree. A new job or a new diet. That book you were reading. Your workout. New Year’s resolutions. A business plan. Your life plan. A relationship. Attending church. Getting out of debt. Quitting smoking.
You were doing great – then you weren’t. What happened?!
What causes us to give up on our goals? Why do we so readily abandon our dreams? How can we just walk away?
Why is life so difficult? Why can’t our work be simpler? And why the need for so much drama?
I hate pain. I despise discomfort. So when I’m going through a rough time, I often look for the quickest exit from the discomfort. Maybe you do too.
In these challenging moments, I begin asking – How can I solve this problem? How can I repair the hurt? How can we minimize the damage. And, How can I do it fast?!
What painful experience are you navigating today? Have you been hurt deeply by a friend, family member, or colleague? Do you work with a poor leader? Does your dysfunctional organization seem beyond repair?
I’ve learned that there’s one reason. Here it is…
